Reflecting on history, I recognized that the 1960s fight for African-American civil rights was one that grew by inviting all communities to participate. I understood that my very presence would encourage more LGBT people of color to make themselves visible. I continuously put myself in spaces of color and saw that it inspired more individuals to come out. And in coming out—and becoming visible—they too began to realize they were empowering some folks to live freely and educating others about the presence of LGBT people of color.

Karess is part of the documentary The New Black, which is playing in select cities this fall.